Mental Health
Our school Mental Health lead is Chris Thomas-Unsworth.
Somerdale Educate Together Primary Academy is committed to supporting the emotional health and wellbeing of every child. We believe that the school can help pupils build resilience and improve their mental health.
Our Learn Together curriculum, in particular, our Moral and Spiritual strand focuses on supporting children both physically and emotionally to promote positive mental health and we provide a range of opportunities for children to actively support this.
As a school, we actively encourage the children to express and talk about their feelings including how we can look after our bodies both physically and mentally. The children have opportunities to talk with adults who they are comfortable with, in a safe, nurturing environment.
MENTAL HEALTH AND WELLBEING: INFORMATION FOR PARENTS AND CARERS OF PRIMARY AGED CHILDREN
We all have ups and downs in life but in childhood it can be particularly hard to cope with sad feelings and worries that arise when things are hard or scary. There may be times when your child is unhappy or struggling emotionally. You may notice that they seem low or worried or that their behaviour changes. We may notice that they seem withdrawn or upset at school.
If you are worried about your child’s mental health then you are not alone. Many parents and carers have similar worries and stresses. There is good support available from local and national organisations. The sooner you seek help the better for your child and you.
The leaflet: Mental health problems in children and young people: guidance for parents and carers provides some useful tips for helping your child plus links to local and national services.
Local services available for children
The School – Please talk to us about your concerns, so that we can work together to help your child feel better. In the first instance please speak to your child’s class teacher by arranging a convenient time to meet them. They will then liaise with Joanna, our Mental Health Lead for further advise and support.
Your GP – A GP can check any physical symptoms linked to your child’s health and talk with you about their emotional well-being making a referral to a specialist service if necessary.
The School Nurse – Parents/carers can contact the Bath and North East Somerset School Nurse Service for advice and support on a range of health issues.
Child and Adolescent Mental Health Service (CAMHS) – A free NHS service that assesses and treats 0-18-year olds with emotional, behavioural or mental health difficulties.
Off the Record – Counselling service for young people
Websites that offer information and advice
The following organisations provide reliable information and advice to help parent/carers to support their child when experiencing emotional difficulties:-
Young Minds: – Help for Parents – Information about all aspects of child mental health, including a Parent Helpline 0800 802 5544
You’re Never too Young to Talk Mental Health – leaflet for parent/carers of primary aged children
Childline – Lots of information and tips for children of all ages about feelings and difficult situations
Minded for Families – Free learning resource about mental health for parents and carers
Happy Maps – Lots of information about health topics including mental health, organised under different age groups including pre-school and primary age
Every Mind Matters – NHS endorsed tips and advice to help children and young people and equip parents with knowledge to support them
Looking after your own mental health
Your own mental health and wellbeing is critical to your ability to support your child/children. Being a parent or carer can be difficult, especially if you are facing personal or financial challenges. It can help to talk to someone, such as a friend, family member or your GP, if you feel comfortable doing this. The following organisations can also offer information and advice to help:
The Wellbeing College – Directory and database of groups, activities and courses in the community that can support adult wellbeing.
Talking Therapies – Accessed through G.P or self-referral.
MyScript- Social prescribing service – Available to anyone registered with a GP in B&NES. This service provides support in finding specialist services and community groups to help individuals experiencing mental health and wellbeing issues to take control of their situation.
Bath Mind – Tel: 01225 316199
Samaritans – Tel: free 116 123
NHS Choices: moodzone – Helps manage stress, anxiety, depression.
CALM Campaign against living miserably
Agencies and services to support parents and carers in vulnerable situations
B&NES Directory of services: Wellbeing Options – Links to a range of services supporting physical, social and emotional needs across the area.
1 Big Database – links to a wide range of useful information for families including Ofsted registered childcare, parenting support, groups, clubs and events.
Rainbow Resource – Signposts to organisations, services, support, activities and groups for children and young people aged 0-25 with additional needs.
Citizens Advice B&NES – Independent charity that provides free, impartial advice and information on a range of issues including housing, employment and debt.
The information on this page has been provided by B&NES Council Public Health Team
